Thu May 01 10:01:58 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata Hotel Fire Prompts Crackdown on Fire Safety Violations

**Kolkata, West Bengal, May 1, 2025** – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a sweeping crackdown on fire safety violations following a deadly fire at the Rituraj Hotel in Kolkata that claimed 14 lives on Tuesday. The Chief Minister, who visited the fire-ravaged hotel today, stated that those responsible will not be spared.

The hotel, operating since 1989, lacked adequate fire safety measures, including dry hydrants and sealed smoke outlets. Ms. Banerjee highlighted that the victims perished primarily from smoke inhalation, rather than burns, due to these deficiencies. The hotel’s owner and manager have been arrested, and the building has been sealed.

To address the systemic issue of fire safety negligence, Ms. Banerjee announced the formation of special committees comprising police, administrative officials, and fire service personnel. These committees will conduct surprise inspections of both private and commercial establishments across the city and district towns to identify and punish those violating fire safety norms. This includes not only building owners but also administrative officials responsible for issuing operational NOCs to buildings with inadequate safety measures. The committees are tasked with submitting reports within 15 days.

The Chief Minister also urged residents of dilapidated buildings near the accident site to temporarily relocate for safety and initiate repairs. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety over legal disputes and stressed the need for building owners to take responsibility for the safety of those who live and work in their properties. She specifically called on shop owners to immediately stop storing flammable materials like plastics and chemicals.

The incident has highlighted widespread concerns about the disregard for fire safety regulations in Kolkata, prompting a firm response from the Chief Minister. Ms. Banerjee concluded her statement with a direct appeal to the public to prioritize safety and hold her accountable for her actions.

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